The United States has one of the largest and most complex economies in the world, and state economies are often vastly different from one another. Some state economies have benefited from an abundance of natural resources or from having a particular kind of climate -- for example: California’s fertile lands and fair climate make it an ideal area to grow food. Other state economies have been shaped by regional laws, cultural trends, or innovation. Detroit’s Henry Ford invented the assembly line, and largely as a result, Michigan has been an auto manufacturing hub for over a century. These industries, and the workers they employ, have helped shape the identities of each state.
To determine the most iconic jobs in every state, 24/7 Wall St. used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on the concentration of jobs in a given state relative to their concentration nationwide. All of the jobs selected were at least twice as concentrated in their respective state than they were nationwide. Supplemental data on employment figures and median salary also came from the BLS. For clarity, we adjusted the names of several occupations on this list from the official designation used by the BLS.
Many of the industries listed are facing unprecedented hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. Companies in travel, tourism, oil extraction, and many others have lost revenue and have cut jobs as people are ordered to stay at home.
To determine the most iconic jobs in every state, 24/7 Wall St. used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics on the concentration of jobs in a given state relative to their concentration nationwide. All of the jobs selected were at least twice as concentrated in their respective state than they were nationwide. Supplemental data on employment figures and median salary also came from the BLS. For clarity, we adjusted the names of several occupations on this list from the official designation used by the BLS.
Many of the industries listed are facing unprecedented hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic. Companies in travel, tourism, oil extraction, and many others have lost revenue and have cut jobs as people are ordered to stay at home.
Iconic jobs are not necessarily highly compensated. Workers in many manufacturing, textile, and food production jobs found on this list often earn less than the $38,640 U.S. median annual wage.
> Employed in job statewide: 1,650
> Median annual wage: $33,960
> Share of all U.S. metal-refining furnace workers in Alabama: 9.3%
Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama, is the only place in the world where there are large deposits of coal, iron ore, and limestone -- the three raw ingredients needed to make iron -- close together. Though the industry has waned in the past few decades, there are over 1,000 metal manufacturing companies exporting over $1.5 billion in metal goods per year in Alabama. Metal manufacturers employ furnace operators to melt and refine metal and cast it into steel. These furnace workers are nearly seven times more concentrated in Alabama than they are nationwide.
1. Alabama
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| © maximili / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Metal-refining furnace workers
> Employed in job statewide: 1,650
> Median annual wage: $33,960
> Share of all U.S. metal-refining furnace workers in Alabama: 9.3%
Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama, is the only place in the world where there are large deposits of coal, iron ore, and limestone -- the three raw ingredients needed to make iron -- close together. Though the industry has waned in the past few decades, there are over 1,000 metal manufacturing companies exporting over $1.5 billion in metal goods per year in Alabama. Metal manufacturers employ furnace operators to melt and refine metal and cast it into steel. These furnace workers are nearly seven times more concentrated in Alabama than they are nationwide.
2. Alaska
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| © kodda / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Misc. mining machine operators
> Employed in job statewide: 220
> Median annual wage: $60,670
> Share of all U.S. misc. mining machine operators in Alaska: 6.7%
Alaska is rich in resources like oil, coal, and natural gas. As a result, miscellaneous mining machine operators are about 30 times more concentrated in Alaska's labor force compared to their concentration in the U.S. labor force. Resource extraction is a critical component of Alaska's economy. The state heavily relies on revenue from the state's oil and gas extraction industry to fund operations.
> Employed in job statewide: 220
> Median annual wage: $60,670
> Share of all U.S. misc. mining machine operators in Alaska: 6.7%
Alaska is rich in resources like oil, coal, and natural gas. As a result, miscellaneous mining machine operators are about 30 times more concentrated in Alaska's labor force compared to their concentration in the U.S. labor force. Resource extraction is a critical component of Alaska's economy. The state heavily relies on revenue from the state's oil and gas extraction industry to fund operations.
3. Arizona
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| © EuToch / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Plasterers and stucco masons
> Employed in job statewide: 1,960
> Median annual wage: $41,490
> Share of all U.S. plasterers and stucco masons in Arizona: 7.9%
Arizona is home to parts of the Sonoran, Mojave, Chihuahuan, and Great Basin deserts -- and building materials commonly used in other parts of the country do not hold up especially well in desert conditions. Stucco, however, does. Stucco plaster made up of a mixture of sand, Portland cement, lime, and water that is used in homes across Arizona.
There are nearly 2,000 plasterers and stucco masons working in Arizona, or about 8% of all Americans working in the profession nationwide.
> Employed in job statewide: 1,960
> Median annual wage: $41,490
> Share of all U.S. plasterers and stucco masons in Arizona: 7.9%
Arizona is home to parts of the Sonoran, Mojave, Chihuahuan, and Great Basin deserts -- and building materials commonly used in other parts of the country do not hold up especially well in desert conditions. Stucco, however, does. Stucco plaster made up of a mixture of sand, Portland cement, lime, and water that is used in homes across Arizona.
There are nearly 2,000 plasterers and stucco masons working in Arizona, or about 8% of all Americans working in the profession nationwide.
4. Arkansas
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| © andresr / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Misc. food processing workers
> Employed in job statewide: 4,930
> Median annual wage: $24,300
> Share of all U.S. misc. food processing workers in Arkansas: 11.6%
Miscellaneous food processors are over 13 times more concentrated in the Arkansas workforce than they are in the U.S. workforce overall. The relative commonality of food processing jobs is due largely to the presence of several major companies. For example, Frito-Lay, the company behind snacks like Doritos, Cheetos, Tostitos, and Funyuns, has a plant in Jonesboro with 790 full-time employees. Additionally, Tyson Foods, a company that produces 1 out of every 5 pounds of chicken, beef, and pork in the United States is headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas.
> Employed in job statewide: 4,930
> Median annual wage: $24,300
> Share of all U.S. misc. food processing workers in Arkansas: 11.6%
Miscellaneous food processors are over 13 times more concentrated in the Arkansas workforce than they are in the U.S. workforce overall. The relative commonality of food processing jobs is due largely to the presence of several major companies. For example, Frito-Lay, the company behind snacks like Doritos, Cheetos, Tostitos, and Funyuns, has a plant in Jonesboro with 790 full-time employees. Additionally, Tyson Foods, a company that produces 1 out of every 5 pounds of chicken, beef, and pork in the United States is headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas.
5. California
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| © rightdx / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Farmworkers
> Employed in job statewide: 194,850
> Median annual wage: $24,240
> Share of all U.S. farmworkers in California: 67.8%
A staggering 67.8% of American crop, nursery, and greenhouse farm workers are employed in California. Thanks to the state's climate, farming is a $50 billion a year business in California. Parts of the state, like Napa and Sonoma, are renowned for their winemaking -- one of the fastest growing industries in the United States.
> Employed in job statewide: 194,850
> Median annual wage: $24,240
> Share of all U.S. farmworkers in California: 67.8%
A staggering 67.8% of American crop, nursery, and greenhouse farm workers are employed in California. Thanks to the state's climate, farming is a $50 billion a year business in California. Parts of the state, like Napa and Sonoma, are renowned for their winemaking -- one of the fastest growing industries in the United States.
6. Colorado
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| © Jen Lobo / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Atmospheric and space scientists
> Employed in job statewide: 1,160
> Median annual wage: $92,400
> Share of all U.S. atmospheric and space scientists in Colorado: 12.5%
Nearly 13% of all atmospheric and space scientists nationwide work in Colorado. The National Center for Atmospheric Research, a federally funded research center, is headquartered in Boulder. The state is also home to over 400 aerospace companies. Lockheed Martin, a behemoth defense contractor, has a missile program near Denver and ranks among the the largest private employers in the area. Atmospheric and space scientists are about seven times more concentrated in the state's labor force compared to the national labor force.
> Employed in job statewide: 1,160
> Median annual wage: $92,400
> Share of all U.S. atmospheric and space scientists in Colorado: 12.5%
Nearly 13% of all atmospheric and space scientists nationwide work in Colorado. The National Center for Atmospheric Research, a federally funded research center, is headquartered in Boulder. The state is also home to over 400 aerospace companies. Lockheed Martin, a behemoth defense contractor, has a missile program near Denver and ranks among the the largest private employers in the area. Atmospheric and space scientists are about seven times more concentrated in the state's labor force compared to the national labor force.
7. Connecticut
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| © Kirkikis / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Nuclear engineers
> Employed in job statewide: 710
> Median annual wage: $112,010
> Share of all U.S. nuclear engineers in Connecticut: 4.4%
There are two nuclear power reactors in Connecticut that generate nearly 42% of all electricity in the state and account for about 97% of all emission-free electricity in the state. Additionally, the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear powered vessel, was built at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut. Currently, about 4.4% of all American nuclear engineers work in Connecticut and the profession is about four times more concentrated in the state than it is nationwide.
> Employed in job statewide: 710
> Median annual wage: $112,010
> Share of all U.S. nuclear engineers in Connecticut: 4.4%
There are two nuclear power reactors in Connecticut that generate nearly 42% of all electricity in the state and account for about 97% of all emission-free electricity in the state. Additionally, the USS Nautilus, the first nuclear powered vessel, was built at the Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut. Currently, about 4.4% of all American nuclear engineers work in Connecticut and the profession is about four times more concentrated in the state than it is nationwide.
8. Delaware
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| © AndreyPopov / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Financial examiners
> Employed in job statewide: 660
> Median annual wage: $78,150
> Share of all U.S. financial examiners in Delaware: 1.1%
Financial examiners work to ensure financial institutions and transactions are in compliance with the law. This job is nearly four times more concentrated in Delaware's labor force than it is in the national labor force. The greater than average demand for financial examiners in Delaware is likely due in part to the state's booming fintech (financial technology) industry, as the state is home to names like JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, and M&T Bank. Additionally, due in part to the state's business law court system, more than 60% of all Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware.
> Employed in job statewide: 660
> Median annual wage: $78,150
> Share of all U.S. financial examiners in Delaware: 1.1%
Financial examiners work to ensure financial institutions and transactions are in compliance with the law. This job is nearly four times more concentrated in Delaware's labor force than it is in the national labor force. The greater than average demand for financial examiners in Delaware is likely due in part to the state's booming fintech (financial technology) industry, as the state is home to names like JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, and M&T Bank. Additionally, due in part to the state's business law court system, more than 60% of all Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware.
9. Florida
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| © Juanmonino / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Misc. construction workers
> Employed in job statewide: 7,150
> Median annual wage: $37,140
> Share of all U.S. misc. construction workers in Florida: 21.4%
There was a new construction boom in parts of Florida in recent years. A growing population in these parts is driving demand for housing, while tourist dollars also help fuel the boom in renovations on non-residential buildings, like retailers and restaurants. Miscellaneous construction workers are about four times more concentrated in Florida's labor force than in the U.S. workforce as a whole.
> Employed in job statewide: 7,150
> Median annual wage: $37,140
> Share of all U.S. misc. construction workers in Florida: 21.4%
There was a new construction boom in parts of Florida in recent years. A growing population in these parts is driving demand for housing, while tourist dollars also help fuel the boom in renovations on non-residential buildings, like retailers and restaurants. Miscellaneous construction workers are about four times more concentrated in Florida's labor force than in the U.S. workforce as a whole.
10. Georgia
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| © YakobchukOlena / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
> Employed in job statewide: 8,800
> Median annual wage: $77,070
> Share of all U.S. aircraft mechanics and service technicians in Georgia: 6.7%
Atlanta is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the world's busiest airport. The airport relies on aircraft mechanics and service technicians to diagnose and fix any issues with the planes so as to keep its more than 107 million customers annually moving to their destination. The airport is Delta's main hub, and the airline accounts for the majority of passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
> Employed in job statewide: 8,800
> Median annual wage: $77,070
> Share of all U.S. aircraft mechanics and service technicians in Georgia: 6.7%
Atlanta is home to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the world's busiest airport. The airport relies on aircraft mechanics and service technicians to diagnose and fix any issues with the planes so as to keep its more than 107 million customers annually moving to their destination. The airport is Delta's main hub, and the airline accounts for the majority of passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
11. Hawaii
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| © Brand X Pictures / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Tour and travel guides
> Employed in job statewide: 2,010
> Median annual wage: $28,550
> Share of all U.S. tour and travel guides in Hawaii: 4.0%
Tour guides and travel guides are about nine times more concentrated in Hawaii than they are across the U.S. as a whole. Tourism is big business in Hawaii as the state drew in an estimated 9.9 million visitors, who spent $17.6 billion, in 2018. The tourism industry supports an estimated 216,000 jobs in the state, including 2,010 tour and travel guides.
> Employed in job statewide: 2,010
> Median annual wage: $28,550
> Share of all U.S. tour and travel guides in Hawaii: 4.0%
Tour guides and travel guides are about nine times more concentrated in Hawaii than they are across the U.S. as a whole. Tourism is big business in Hawaii as the state drew in an estimated 9.9 million visitors, who spent $17.6 billion, in 2018. The tourism industry supports an estimated 216,000 jobs in the state, including 2,010 tour and travel guides.
12. Idaho
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| © genkur / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Semiconductor processors
> Employed in job statewide: 990
> Median annual wage: $34,450
> Share of all U.S. semiconductor processors in Idaho: 3.8%
Though potatoes may be Idaho's most famous export, the state is also something of a semiconductor production hub. Micron, one of the world's top producers of semiconductors, was founded in Boise in 1978. The company has over 6,000 employees, including many semiconductor processors, who help to manufacture the devices that make modern electronics like cell phones and computers possible. These workers are nearly eight times more concentrated in Idaho than they are nationwide.
> Employed in job statewide: 990
> Median annual wage: $34,450
> Share of all U.S. semiconductor processors in Idaho: 3.8%
Though potatoes may be Idaho's most famous export, the state is also something of a semiconductor production hub. Micron, one of the world's top producers of semiconductors, was founded in Boise in 1978. The company has over 6,000 employees, including many semiconductor processors, who help to manufacture the devices that make modern electronics like cell phones and computers possible. These workers are nearly eight times more concentrated in Idaho than they are nationwide.
13. Illinois
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| © gilaxia / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Misc. production workers
> Employed in job statewide: 32,900
> Median annual wage: $32,910
> Share of all U.S. misc. production workers in Illinois: 14.3%
Miscellaneous production workers are manufacturing workers that do not fit into any one specific category. Some of the largest companies operating in Illinois include Caterpillar, with multiple production facilities across the state, and John Deere, with a manufacturing facility in East Moline and another in Moline. An estimated 14.3% of miscellaneous production workers nationwide are employed in Illinois.
> Employed in job statewide: 32,900
> Median annual wage: $32,910
> Share of all U.S. misc. production workers in Illinois: 14.3%
Miscellaneous production workers are manufacturing workers that do not fit into any one specific category. Some of the largest companies operating in Illinois include Caterpillar, with multiple production facilities across the state, and John Deere, with a manufacturing facility in East Moline and another in Moline. An estimated 14.3% of miscellaneous production workers nationwide are employed in Illinois.
14. Indiana
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| © MEDITERRANEAN / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Boilermakers
> Employed in job statewide: 990
> Median annual wage: $73,120
> Share of all U.S. boilermakers in Indiana: 7.1%
The job of boilermakers -- workers who, according to the BLS assemble and maintain boilers, closed vats, and other large containers of liquids and gases -- is the most iconic in Indiana. A boilermaker is the official mascot of Purdue, one of the largest universities in the state. The origins of the name come from a nickname given to Purdue football players in a local news article published in 1891. More than 7% of all boilermakers in the United States work in Indiana.
> Employed in job statewide: 990
> Median annual wage: $73,120
> Share of all U.S. boilermakers in Indiana: 7.1%
The job of boilermakers -- workers who, according to the BLS assemble and maintain boilers, closed vats, and other large containers of liquids and gases -- is the most iconic in Indiana. A boilermaker is the official mascot of Purdue, one of the largest universities in the state. The origins of the name come from a nickname given to Purdue football players in a local news article published in 1891. More than 7% of all boilermakers in the United States work in Indiana.
15. Iowa
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| © mediaphotos / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Agricultural and food science technicians
> Employed in job statewide: 2,090
> Median annual wage: $46,750
> Share of all U.S. agricultural and food science technicians in Iowa: 9.8%
Agricultural and food science technicians can work in a variety of settings, from farms to labs, measuring and analyzing food and agricultural product quality. These workers are more than nine times more common in Iowa's labor force than the U.S. labor force as a whole. Due in part to the quality of topsoil in the state, over 85% of land in Iowa is used for agriculture, and the state is a leading producer of a number of crops, including soybeans and corn.
> Employed in job statewide: 2,090
> Median annual wage: $46,750
> Share of all U.S. agricultural and food science technicians in Iowa: 9.8%
Agricultural and food science technicians can work in a variety of settings, from farms to labs, measuring and analyzing food and agricultural product quality. These workers are more than nine times more common in Iowa's labor force than the U.S. labor force as a whole. Due in part to the quality of topsoil in the state, over 85% of land in Iowa is used for agriculture, and the state is a leading producer of a number of crops, including soybeans and corn.
16. Kansas
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| © vandervliet93 / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Aerospace engineering and operations technicians
> Employed in job statewide: 460
> Median annual wage: $62,560
> Share of all U.S. aerospace engineers and technicians in Kansas: 4.5%
Aerospace engineers and technicians operate and maintain equipment used in manufacturing and repairing aircraft. Multiple companies, including Cessna, Spirit AeroSystems, and Bombardier Learjet employ thousands in their Wichita locations. The city's identity as an aircraft manufacturing hub began in World War II, as Wichita's economy boomed thanks to demand for military aircraft.
> Employed in job statewide: 460
> Median annual wage: $62,560
> Share of all U.S. aerospace engineers and technicians in Kansas: 4.5%
Aerospace engineers and technicians operate and maintain equipment used in manufacturing and repairing aircraft. Multiple companies, including Cessna, Spirit AeroSystems, and Bombardier Learjet employ thousands in their Wichita locations. The city's identity as an aircraft manufacturing hub began in World War II, as Wichita's economy boomed thanks to demand for military aircraft.
17. Kentucky
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| © alexeys / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Farm and home management advisors
> Employed in job statewide: 1,090
> Median annual wage: $48,430
> Share of all U.S. farm and home management advisors in Kentucky: 13.6%
Farm and home management advisors are effectively consultants for farmers and those engaged in home economics activities. Such advisors are about 10 times more common in Kentucky's labor pool than in the U.S. labor pool as a whole. Agriculture and animal raising are big business in Kentucky as the state is home to over 2 million head of cattle.
> Employed in job statewide: 1,090
> Median annual wage: $48,430
> Share of all U.S. farm and home management advisors in Kentucky: 13.6%
Farm and home management advisors are effectively consultants for farmers and those engaged in home economics activities. Such advisors are about 10 times more common in Kentucky's labor pool than in the U.S. labor pool as a whole. Agriculture and animal raising are big business in Kentucky as the state is home to over 2 million head of cattle.
18. Louisiana
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| © JamesBrey / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Sailors and marine oilers
> Employed in job statewide: 6,280
> Median annual wage: $39,400
> Share of all U.S. sailors and marine oilers in Louisiana: 19.5%
Sailors and marine oilers perform a wide variety of tasks on board ships, from looking out for obstructions on the water to maintaining ship equipment and using emergency equipment as necessary. In addition to about 7,700 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, wetlands cover about a third of the state's total land area. Marine-based economic activity in Louisiana ranges from fishing to offshore oil production and nearly 20% of all U.S. sailors and marine oilers work in the state.
> Employed in job statewide: 6,280
> Median annual wage: $39,400
> Share of all U.S. sailors and marine oilers in Louisiana: 19.5%
Sailors and marine oilers perform a wide variety of tasks on board ships, from looking out for obstructions on the water to maintaining ship equipment and using emergency equipment as necessary. In addition to about 7,700 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico, wetlands cover about a third of the state's total land area. Marine-based economic activity in Louisiana ranges from fishing to offshore oil production and nearly 20% of all U.S. sailors and marine oilers work in the state.
19. Maine
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| © Nordroden / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Shoe machine workers
> Employed in job statewide: 400
> Median annual wage: $32,320
> Share of all U.S. shoe machine workers in Maine: 10.5%
Though there are only 400 shoe machine operators and tenders in Maine, they hold the most iconic job in the state, accounting for over 10% of total U.S. employment in the industry. While there are a few smaller shoe making operations in the state, industry employment is driven largely by the presence of New Balance factories in Norridgewock, Skowhegan, and Norway and L.L. Bean plants that churn out the company's iconic boots in Brunswick and Lewiston.
> Employed in job statewide: 400
> Median annual wage: $32,320
> Share of all U.S. shoe machine workers in Maine: 10.5%
Though there are only 400 shoe machine operators and tenders in Maine, they hold the most iconic job in the state, accounting for over 10% of total U.S. employment in the industry. While there are a few smaller shoe making operations in the state, industry employment is driven largely by the presence of New Balance factories in Norridgewock, Skowhegan, and Norway and L.L. Bean plants that churn out the company's iconic boots in Brunswick and Lewiston.
20. Maryland
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| © monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images |
> Most iconic job: Misc. health diagnosing and treating practitioners
> Employed in job statewide: 5,450
> Median annual wage: $136,660
> Share of all U.S. misc. health diagnosing and treating practitioners in Maryland: 14.9%
Miscellaneous health diagnosing and treating practitioners include a range of jobs in medicine, such as naturopathic practitioners, who claim to treat certain symptoms in a more holistic and natural approach, and orthoptists, who diagnose and treat vision disorders. Practitioners such as these are about eight times more common in Maryland than they are nationwide. Maryland is also home to Johns Hopkins University, which has one of the most renowned medical schools in the country.
> Employed in job statewide: 5,450
> Median annual wage: $136,660
> Share of all U.S. misc. health diagnosing and treating practitioners in Maryland: 14.9%
Miscellaneous health diagnosing and treating practitioners include a range of jobs in medicine, such as naturopathic practitioners, who claim to treat certain symptoms in a more holistic and natural approach, and orthoptists, who diagnose and treat vision disorders. Practitioners such as these are about eight times more common in Maryland than they are nationwide. Maryland is also home to Johns Hopkins University, which has one of the most renowned medical schools in the country.
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